Behavioural Changes in Pregnancy

Why am I so moody?

Pregnant women are frequently more emotionally sensitive than usual and are often less able to cope with normal stresses. They can become upset more easily than they usually would, cry more often and sometimes without a significant reason, cope less with normal job and household duties, have poor concentration, have poor memory, etc. This can be a problem from the beginning though is usually worse as pregnancy advances. It is due to the hormones of pregnancy.

Pregnancy hormone changes can be relevant as a cause, Also pregnancy behavioural changes may in part sometimes be related to coming to grips with “being pregnant” and the impact pregnancy can have on lifestyle and busyness of life before being pregnancy. It can also be due to being anxious about what is about to happen – labour and delivery, whether you will cope as a mother, stress about finances, etc. Other pregnancy symptoms can make it worse such as being aware you are not coping, feeling uncomfortable and tired, not feeling as attractive as a woman, etc.

What can be done?

Understand what is happening is normal. Try to cope as best you can. Readjust your lifestyle. Maybe you could work less, have a holiday, and get support for the children, get housekeeping help, have a good massage regularly, etc.

Explain to your husband/partner what is happening. Encourage him to be more understanding, supportive and tolerant. Remember it is only for a season, and focusing on the pregnancy outcome will help you cope.

Feel free to chat to me about it. It may be good for your husband / partner to come for this visit so he can be included in the conversation.